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ME AND AIDAN GRAY

A few months ago I was contacted by the décor company, Aidan Gray, about becoming a sponsor on Cote de Texas. Usually I don’t bother Ben about the blog (which he never even reads anyway), but this time, I went running in front of the TV, surely interrupting some UT athletic game, screaming – “WOW! Aidan Gray wants to advertise on the blog!!!” Ben looks at me funny and says, “Why would an actor want to be on the blog?” Well, that’s a clueless husband for you. BTW, the name Aidan came from one of owner’s three sons!

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you who Aidan Gray is. I’m willing to bet that the majority of readers have at least one piece from AG in their house. I know I do:

This chandelier by Aidan Gray is in my guest room. This might be my favorite piece from their collection. I’ve used it more times than I care to admit! The price point is so reasonable and it’s so pretty and large, there’s just nothing on the market that beats it.

For this client I used the chandelier AND two AG lamps. I love their lamps and find that for many jobs, I will use AG.

I used two AG lamps, The Fluted Urn, here, in this dining room.

And in Elisabeth’s room, I used this small Aidan Gray lamp that I bought at Olivine. A lot of times when I’m in a rush, I’ll just run over to Olivine and pick up one of the AG lamps that they sell HERE.

Although it seems like Aidan Gray has been in business forever, it is still quite young – founded in just 2003 by Randal Weeks. Armed with an MBA, Weeks had toiled for 15 years in the business world before he decided to branch out on his own, following his passion for design. While his MBA was a huge help in starting the company, Weeks is quick to give his wife Sally credit for making AG the success that it is. It wasn’t until 2007 before Sally could quit her job as a medical representative and work full time as a partner at AG. Prior to that she was the family’s primary breadwinner while AG was taking off.

For this client, we used a pair of AG lamps and their round table, which is now discontinued. (Mimi! You need to come meet Lucy and Riley!)

Randal and Sally were both heavily influenced by Europe when they began designing their line. Striving for authenticity, they wanted their products to rise above the ordinary found in parts of the décor market. They wanted their products to reflect the craftsmanship of handmade items, using wood, rustic metals and painted finishes. Quality was a very important goal.

In this house I showed two years ago, this Aidan Gray console generated a lot of comments. I think this might be their most famous piece. Every loves it!

Aidan Gray started small, but over the past decade, the AG line has grown to be quite large. Where before lighting and garden products were the mainstay, today there is a furniture line and now an upholstery line. Recently at the High Point market, AG launched a new chair line, which Randal has been so kind to let me show you today! They photographed the chairs at the Week’s beautiful home. You can guess that their house is filled with AG product. Can you imagine just going to the warehouse and picking out what you want to take home?! I think I’m in the wrong business!! Randal tells me that the new line is very competitively priced – something we can all use in this economy.

First off, is this new chair – the Ferrell dining chair. I am so in love with the ballet ties! And I love that they are referred to on the web site as “ballet ties!” Little things like that make me happy. Notice how long the ties are – they gracefully slide down to the floor. No skimping here! The ultra deep cushion is loose, another detail I love. Behind the chairs are some new items from the accessory line:

Here’s a close up of the carved architectural element pieces – the five pieces come as a set.

The Isla chair comes in bleached wood or dark. I love the bleached wood! The cushion is down/foam for extra softness.

Taken at the Weeks home, notice their beautiful fireplace. This tufted chair is called the Quinn. Its proportions are decidedly oversized for extra comfort.

This tufted chair has grand proportions. I love the casters – such an authentic touch. The carved side table and urns are also from AG.

The Josie chair has a tall back with bleached wood frame. Pretty lamp!

The diminutive Blue chair – has a gray chalk finish, with French nail heads, caned back and a nice deep cushion. DARLING!

The Andrew beach has French nail heads and those great, long ballet ties. This would be so cute at the end of the bed.

This is the Ethan arm bench. I’m really loving the caned back. It’s so French. Notice the sconce – I’ll tell you about it at the end of the story!

As a special treat, the Weeks sent along pictures of their house. The entry hall is especially grand with steel doors at each end.

Notice the raised roof with the large skylight. Amazing. And, notice the arched brick doorways, closed off with linen curtains.

The living room is especially beautiful and grand. Notice the charming double tall bay window. The house is, naturally, filled with furniture from the Aidan Gray line.

An antique rug is layered on top of a seagrass area rug. And notice the drapery rods – no finials. I love that!

The dining room as styled for the catalogue. These chairs, the Milton, with French nail heads are numbered, with burlap backs.

And the dining room, styled with another chair, again with French nail heads and a painted frame and curved legs.

The kitchen is so large – what an island! Notice the ceiling – X beams over planks. The X mimics the windows.

Here, you can see there are actually two islands, topped with white marble. Each has a chandelier over it. And there are two dishwashers – with three young sons, I would imagine that is a necessity. Unless, Randal, you aren’t Kosher are you?

The cooktop is on the right side of the room, by the double refrigerator/freezer.

Notice this ceiling in this hallway with the bricked barrel roof.

In the serene master room, a collection of daybeds, chairs and benches. The bench at the end of the bed is from the new collection – the Coyle. This style also comes in dining room chairs.

In the master bedroom – is the Havana Lounger. The drapes are so pretty!!

The pool cabana is made of stacked stone with columns. Notice the gutters and awnings.

Inside is a wonderful fireplace. The slipcovered furniture is from Aidan Gray’s slipcovered line.

Must be a dream to have a pool house like this! I can’t imagine. I would LIVE out here!!

Remember these Aidan Gray sconces?

Randal Weeks told me that he was inspired to create the sconces after seeing these in my dining room. Seriously. I was floored – I was so excited! I actually was acting like I had designed them myself, when all I did was buy them! Like, I was taking credit for them! Too funny.

And finally, Aidan Gray sells all kinds of wonderful things for the garden – inside and out! This is from the Weeks’ back yard.

And MY Aidan Gray planter from last fall. I TOLD you I had tons of AG!!! Randal’s urn looks prettier than mine, I need to replant it and I like the way he put pots of flowers around it.

100 comments
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Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Did not see one piece that I did not LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Joni, I have decided that you never sleep.

For many years I have bemoaned the fact that we no longer have the "salons" of yesteryear where interesting people were brought together to exchange (and yes, debate) ideas. Your fascinating blog meets this need spectactularly! You just get better and better every day. If only I drank, I would raise a glass of champagne to you. Instead, in all sincerity, it is a glass of fine vintage, caffeine free, diet Coke.

Good point, Charlotte. I agree. It's nice to share in the discussions and perhaps gain a new perspective. Joni and AG are a win/win for the readers. I toast you also, depending on the time of day....Tab, or Pinot Grigio. Thanks to both you and AG for this post. A wonderful way to start the day.

I wake up in the middle of the night to such fabulous treats from this blog. Now when I go back to sleep I will be dreaming of those gorgeous photos! Their products are FABULOUS! Your blog is so darn good and gives me something to look forward to enjoying. Recently I have looked thru so many of your older post and have become so addicted that when I have an idea about something for my decor, I use your search box to see what you have blogged on the topic.

I am kicking myself right now for having given my Aiden Gray planter like the one shown here away to a friend. It was so hard keeping the moss nice and green and I hated it when it turned brown. It is a huge chore to stuff the urn as well. Now looking at how beautiful the piece is, I am tempted to order another one.

When you have an outdoor pot (terra cotta, concrete or plastic) ALWAYS "double pot" it. That means put your real pot inside of the outer, decorative pot. Leave a 1" space between the decorative pot and the pot that actually contains your plants. Fill that space with peat moss or even carpet scraps. This is to insulate the roots and keep them cool. In a wire container such as the one from AG, the "moss" or the synthetic horsehair acts as the insulator. Your plants will be much healthier. Had they been planted in the ground, the roots would be 6" to 18" below the ground in soil that is only 54 to 60 degrees (even in summer).

How to keep your "moss" green? Spray it with Design Master Floral Spray #721 which, OMG, is called Moss Green! If you have double-potted your plants, it is easy to pull out the "real" pot then pull out the moss and spray it green. The spray dries in a few minutes and the color is quite durable. When finished, just put your real pot back into the wire basket then stuff the green-sprayed moss back around it. You can also spray the real pot with the Design Master Floral Spray so that it doesn't show through the "moss" covering. Floral designers do this ALL the time.

Thank you. This is one time when the "real thing" doesn't work. I will attempt to find Floral Spray 721..Now to reorder my fabulous iron planter that i gave away. Still kicking myself. Love Aiden Gray.

Hi Anonymous - I buy my Design Master Floral Spray at Joann's. However, you can probably get it at Michael's or Hancock Fabrics. Check out the DM website for other places to buy: http://www.dmcolor.com/products/.

I love all the photos. Aiden Gray is certainly doing a lot right. Love all the lighting and the ballet ties on the chairs. Also love the console table at the end of the bed. I am going over to the site and have a look. I hope the will ship to Canada, or have a distributor here. Amazing pieces, thank you for sharing. Congratulations for being a sponsor. Your style certainly blends well and compliments the Aidan Gray pieces.

I was just thinking that since Joni seems to have a typically sized residential lot, she might consider using some visual tricks outside. In various homes (we don't need to this right now because we are on 7 acres), we have painted the fences a mixture of vegetation greens to help make them disappear behind our bushes and trees. We have also used mirrors strategically placed to create the illusion of vistas beyond our garden. Admittedly, the mirrors only work when you can successfully hide the existance of neighboring houses. That is one of the reasons an overhead patio trellis works so well at the Wheat home. It makes it difficult to see neighboring houses. That makes the yard private and cozy rather than just small.

I knew you would love the gutters!i used to have star jasmine on x wires trained on the fence but they overtook the wires.i just added a row of azaleas behind the box and in the corner, in the summer there are masses of caladiums. the flowers are in pots on the terrace by the fountain. +

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2010/03/reed-dillon-private-gardens.html - at the front of the story are 2 pic of my yardhttp://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2011_11_29_archive.html - at the end are two more pics

Tara, seriously this is not an inquisition. Joni has a lovely back yard with antique roses, planters, annuals, etc. She is perfectly capable of hiring a local landscape architect who is familiar with plant life that flourishes in her region. That is the key. It's not what looks great in Atlanta, it's what looks great in Houston. It seems from photos that Joni has it figured out.

It looks as if Joni and Tara are friends and that Tara was making some friendly suggestions.I read both blogs regularly and I have learned a lot from each. Tara's vision goes well beyond the walls of one's home and I think she was right on!I would love her to look at my yard and make a suggestion or two : )

Wonderful! I have always loved AG - finishes some of the very best in the decor world. Restoration Hardware should go through this post and take some notes. AG shows great taste, style, elegance and flair. Loved seeing the Week's gorgeous home. Congratulations on a wonderful sponsor - you make a great team.

I am such an AG fan so this post was nirvana for me! I treasure my lamps, accessories, and furniture from them. When I placed their garden post in our dining room a few years ago, my husband didn't get it, but now loves it! The post was the perfect start of my weekend! I am off to pick up the Adelle pendant that I ordered to hang in my office!

OMG!!! WHAT A FABULOUS HOME! And that pool house is beyond marvelous!!! Love it all! I adore those sconces he designed after your antique ones!!! Nice complement to you and you deserve that!!! Thanks for sharing these pics, Joni! I know I will go over and over every shot!

Ooooooh!!!!! What a gorgeous, gorgeous home! I love the antiqued mirror over the living room fireplace, and the juxtaposition of the crystal chandelier with industrial-looking fixtures and countertops (zinc?) in that kitchen. I, too, love that Gothic console table. Thanks!

That cracks me up about Ben not reading your blog...I don't think Howard reads mine. This was such a beautiful post. Great company...and they are wise to recognize you as an excellent advertising vehicle.Wish I was in that pool house right now.

Goodbye Restoration Hardware -- HELLO AIDAN GRAY!!! Absolutely gorgeous!! In the new House Beautiful, RH has taken out some big ads. One is of a "semi-deconstructed" chair. Tufted front and then the sides and back of the chair are left naked. Maybe that whole idea is on its way out. I notice that AG wasn't into that look or "non-look." AG's fabrics are beautiful. Congrats!

Joni,I love Aidan Gray...I did a post about him when his home was featured in Romantic Homes Magazine. I love their line of everything. Congratulations and no real surprise that someone like AG wants to have their name associated with CDT. Have a great weekend.Karen

Love AG; I have a great grey wire boat and a pair of coral topped fragments that I use all the time in various places. What I love about the line is the versatility of the pieces. Hey, how about a giveaway PLEASE of the wire garden urn :) I missed that one but would love to buy one....

Wow...I wasn't really familiar with Aidan Gray's product line before I read your post. I'm so glad I stopped by. I have to say I am more than just a little jealous of the Weeks' home...Stunning. And If I could have any piece it would be the Isla chair. Beautiful. Happy Friday. Jennifer

Thanks for the reply! Because of the style of the chairs I'm not doing slips . . . you are right, that will be the challenge! The fabric is a blend, and is pre-treated for stain resistance, which will help. As Phoebe Howard said, it isn't meant to last forever!

As Marsha said everyone wants to be affiliated with your gorgeous blog!Congratulations Joni! You deserve to be sponsored by Aidan Gray! I enjoyed this post! True eye candy pictures!! And you do know that I loooovvvee the way you decorated your home! Really charming and oh so beautiful!Have a nice weekend Joni!!xxGreet

Love Love Aiden Gray! I have your guest br lamp in my dining room, pair of lamps in my master and even a small lamp of their's in the nursery! I don't have any of his furniture yet but moving to Austin soon and have a few pieces in mind for the new house!

I knew it , I knew it, I knew it! I know almost every detail in your lovely home, Joni- and I recognized those sconces right away! Of course,those needed to be copied, and who better than Aidan Gray? Loved every picture( even though I drooled all over the keyboard, and did a lot of groaning too- the Isla chair had me swooning) I smiled at the ballet ties( although my little toy dogs would have a ball untying them every minute of the day!) This was just so much eye candy- and I will have to call my sis-in-law- and tell her to look RIGHT NOW!

I agree with Mimi, who mentioned how lovely Elizabeth's room is- I too, have loved it from day one- it is so soothing, feminine and serene. just wonderful

I believe the correct way of saying it is, "Aidan Gray and me." Hahahaha...just kidding. I love you and your blog! Your posts are always so amazingly well researched and fun to read. There's nothing better than pouring a cup of coffee and reading your blod.

What a delicious and yummy visual post! Loved every single thing shown. So perfect. What a great way to end a long week with these lovely photos, funny commentary and a glass of red wine. I could buy every piece they sell. Thanks for posting.

I love love love the living room. It reminds me of the living room of an English country home with French furnishings. Also, I loved the second styling of the dining room. In that photo the large background cabinet seems to be the same one that Brooke of Velvet & Linen has in her study. I wonder if hers is an AG?

Joni, I always love your posts but this one is masterful! Have followed AG for years at the New York International Gift Fair and am in love with everything they do. I also noticed right away the tall cabinet very similar to the one Brook of V&L has. I believe she purchased it from Bobo's Intriguing Objects (Atlanta) and this one may also be theirs (?) So many rich visuals to take away from your gorgeous home, and that of RW as well. Thank you for this incredibly inspiring tour!all my best,Susan

Wow! Another wining post. I agree with the others....move over RH. Now the kitchen shelving great, and where can you get the curtain rods. I have seen them before around blog land but can seem to google for them. Anyone know?

Wonderful post... I love their stuff! Do you know what the chandelier is called that is in two photos? It is the 6 arm (looks petite) chandelier that you call "charming"under one of the photos. I love it, but I looked at the website and it is nowhere on there under any category. Could you possibly try to find out what it is called? I need it!!!!

Hi Sheila, If you cannot find the Chandelier you want from Aidan Gray, try the Bellacor Website. Under Search type: "Persian". They have a number of Chandeliers and wall sconces that look very similar to the ones from Aidan Gray. Prices are reasonable, too. You may, however, have to make a trip to Hobby Lobby, Joann's, Michaels or another craft store to pick up some small wood finials to add as drops.

Joni: Fabulous post, just as everyone has said. AG has great designs and a great look. Just the right combination of Old World, but not too fussy or prissy. Congratulations to you and your insight and your successful blog. You rock, my dear!

Hi Joni - I am very fond of Aidan Gray's furniture!! I especially love the Quinn and Isla chairs....both really fabulous. I'm going to recommend them to a client. Thank you for featuring AG!! The Weeks' home is incredible. That skylight in the hall is awesome and, the living room is divine: love the height, mantel, and everything else!! So beautifully layered. Cheers, Loi

I have AG table lights and love them but after seeing all these stunning pictures I think I need a piece of furniture. Their new chair would be perfect in my bedroom. I love their home and that foyer is fabulous. Joni your home is beautiful and your guest room looks so inviting....when may I come and visit?

Hi Joni...Congratulations. Love...love the interiors of this home. I've signed up for an account at AG today. ;-) Thank you for getting back to me on the last post on my question about seagrass rugs. You are wonderful. Eileen

Hi Joni; my grandmother wanted me to let you know that she loves the way you decorate. She and a few of her friends at the senior center love to look at your blog after their weekly card game. They think you've perfected the "old lady" look. Grandma Nettie and her friends said to tell you hello.

I've been following you for a few years now. I love your work, your talent, and your sense of humor. Joni, what is the color of the paint in your guest room, the one with the Aidan Gray chandelier - looks like a sort of aqua/grey?

Joni,Go to the AG website and check out "your" sconces....I had seen them on Layla Grace called Luciano....they are called "Joni" on the AG website so maybe you should be taking a bit of credit as he must have renamed them in your honor. :) !! las76

Great post, thanks for sharing Randalls home and all the great AG products. I remember when they were featured in Romantic Homes, I have always been interested in their products but even more since discovering your blog. Charlotte had a great point about the salons of yesteryear, wonderful analogy for your blog. On an unrelated note, I have had Tara work up a plan for my yard, she is sweet, charming and gracious and loves what she does and is very good at it and takes into consideration your budget and lifestyle, she is tremendous.

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